BEAVERTON – Growing up, Sandra Vining’s son Scott loved the railroads. In fact, he had radios and could talk to the engineers. Some would even look for him when they passed by near the family’s home. So when she got a call from the railroad telling her there was a caboose for sale, it made sense to Vining to surprise her son with his own caboose from the Grand Trunk line. The caboose was hauled to the Vinings’ home in Edenville by Dobson in Bay City, and by the time it got there, it had attracted quite a following. “It was like the Pied Piper,” Vining said. “People aren’t used to seeing a caboose going down the road.” But people are intrigued, and now that the caboose has been moved to the Nestle Inn, where Vining operates The Lavender Tea Room, she and Innkeeper Luann O’Dell hope that those same railroad enthusiasts might some stay a night or more in the caboose, which sleeps four or more. The caboose made its way to Nestle Inn on March 5 and 6, hauled in by Delisle Lawncare and Excavating, who first cleared the area and laid the stone. “It was cold – frightfully cold,” Vining said, of that day. Sandra, Luann and an Amish friend worked to scrub up the caboose and get it nice and tidy without compromising the integrity of the structure. The original fixtures are there, along with the writing on the walls denoting its last run and other hallmark moments. People who choose to stay in the caboose will be treated to breakfast – they can have it delivered or they can eat at the patio. The caboose sleeps four people, and there’s a BBQ and a fire pit right there, and a place that someone can sleep outside if they so choose. The caboose is very heavy and well-sealed. It is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Luann and Sandra are hoping that the novelty of the caboose will attract enthusiasts and people who are just curious. “It’s fun to know history,” Sandra said. “It’s fun to say, ‘I slept in a caboose!’” In addition to a Bed and Breakfast with a sleeping caboose and outside accommodations, the Nestle Inn also hosts The Lavender Tea Room, with Afternoon and High Tea gatherings for any occasion. On site is also The Crippled Chicken Thrift Shop, which has a little bit of everything. In fact, there will be a Market Place Flea Market July 4-6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – furniture, collectibles, housewares, tools, jewelry, Amish baked goods, books, goat milk creams, craft and sewing items, fabric and more! For more information on Nestle Inn, located at 3655 Spicer Road in Beaverton, please call Sandra at 989-689-4933 or Luann at 989-435-8905.

The wonderful charm of a bed and breakfastBy Karen Gruber | Posted: Sunday, March 10, 2013 7:00 am- visit Midland Daily News online for the full articleAre you tired of the gray cold days and would enjoy a winter get away? Does a girl’s night out sound enticing, or are you looking for a special venue for a shower or wedding? You may want to consider a bed and breakfast inn....Luanne O’Dell always dreamed of opening a bed and breakfast. She drove by a 1910 farmhouse near Beaverton until the for sale sign caught her eye and heart. It is now the Nestle Inn B and B. A woman of many talents, Luanne lovingly restored it into the cozy inn it now is. The kitchen boasts the original tin ceiling and lace curtains dress the windows.Taking a step back in time and to the country, Luanne has chickens, and a horse. She grows her own vegetables and guests have sat atop the chicken coop to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July. Guests enjoy fresh eggs for breakfast, homemade breads, fruits, toast, and cereal in the restful dining area.Luanne has done most of the work herself, putting up wallpaper, making curtains, and doll houses complete with furnishing. The main suite is downstairs with a bathroom and a sitting room if so desired.Upstairs is the Rose Room where you will sleep in a garden of roses and soft pink accents including Luanne’s homemade beaded wedding gown. Each pearl was hand stitched on the lace dress. There isthe Gold Room, the Green Room and the Lavender Room that sleeps three. A window treatment of wisteria is at the head of one bed. Shades of lavender and purple with quilts on the bed make this a room little girls would like to curl up in. Each room has a unique sink made with Luanne’s creativity and a blue and white shared bathroom. A corner sitting room is the perfect place to read, stitch, knit or rest your eyes.Luanne lives downstairs and the whole house can be rented out as a unit including the kitchen for preparing meals. It has been rented for family reunions, and other getaways. There is a back deck for barbecuing and a picnic. An African Chieftain stayed at the inn as well as people from around the world. Luanne loves to visit with guests and her stories and talents will keep you wanting more.Sandra Vining is a friend of Luanne’s and has recently opened the Lavender Tea Room in the parlor and dining area. Surrounded by a fireplace, walls of books, lace curtains and old antiques, you will enjoy tea at a table garnished with whimsical tea pots and cups. Sandra may greet you at the door in a long graceful dress with a piercing blue crystal peacock necklace. Most of her jewelry is peacock or greyhound dog in style. She has 18 peacocks and rescued greyhounds. Living in England for four years, Sandra is knowledgeable about tea customs and traditions. She will teach you the proper way to eat a scone which was very important for young ladies looking for a wealthy husband. Sandra makes everything from scratch and the soup, sandwiches and desserts are a treat to the eyes, and delicious. Groups can schedule high teas, and afternoon teas, by calling (989) 689-4933. You can call that morning or days ahead of time. Perfect for Red Hats, friendly get-togethers, showers or meetings, you will be enchanted with this tea room. Call Luanne at (989) 435-8905 or visit at www.nestleinnbb.comBe pampered, spend a lovely afternoon or evening with friends, and step back in time at a bed and breakfast. There are many in the state that can be found on line. You will not be disappointed.Karen Gruber is a retired school teacher in Midland. She can be reached at karengruber@charter.net